Learn to Play | Age of Umbra - A Daggerheart Adventure

Image by Calvin Gentz

Learn to Play | Age of Umbra - A Daggerheart Adventure

In a dying world of endless shadow and nightmare, can heroic survivors protect their community and find a way to save this broken realm?

TYPE

Campaign

LEVELS

1–5

EXPERIENCE

Open to all

AGE

18+
1 SEAT LEFT
$14.00

/ Session

Details

Monthly / Tuesday – 4:30 PM UTC

Jul 29 / Session 1

Campaign Length / 5–10 Sessions

2–4 Hour Duration

4 / 5 Seats Filled

Schedule

Tue, Jul 29 | 4:30 PM – Session 1

Tue, Aug 26 | 4:30 PM – Session 2

Tue, Sep 30 | 4:30 PM – Session 3

Tue, Oct 28 | 4:30 PM – Session 4

About the adventure

Welcome to the Age of Umbra, a dark and desolate era within the Halcyon Domain. A century ago, the God-King Othedias's betrayal enraged the Pantheon, leading to divine abandonment and the realm's eternal curse. Now, the land is choked by shadow, grand cities lie in ruin, and dreadful monstrosities stalk the decaying fortresses. Surviving communities, known as the Enduring, cling to hope around Sacred Pyres, beacons of light and safety in this bleak world. In this campaign, you will play as these heroic survivors, venturing out into the unknown to hunt the nightmares that twist and grow with each fallen soul. You will seek answers to the curses corrupting the world and perhaps even discover a way to change its fate. The tone is ancient, daunting, epic, grim, ominous, terrifying, and tragic, with themes of apocalypse, corruption, darkness vs. light, hope, redemption, and survival. Be prepared for a lethal world where threats have sad stories, and not all darkness is evil. This game is for players who enjoy a challenging narrative with opportunities for both momentous victories and memorable character deaths, if you succumb to the Umbra... Treat Community as a Means of Survival: You have grown up in a world of despair, raised to rage against the dying of the light. No matter the differences or challenges between you and others you meet, forging and protecting the bonds of community close and abroad is a goal that surmounts most others. If the Enduring cannot work together, then all truly is lost. Remember That Not All Darkness Is Evil Most of the shadow that plagues this land is born out of tragedy, big and small. Keep in mind that many threats you face have a history—a sad and solemn story—that set them on this terrible path. With the right inquisitiveness and creativity, you can oftentimes parlay with or even redeem what hunts you before resorting to complete destruction. Many lost to the dark still retain some aspects of themselves to appeal to, and rumored magics could hold the key to cleansing elements of the Umbra’s corruption. Embrace Lethality The Age of Umbra is a realm of hardship, challenge, and loss, which allows for momentous revelations and incomparable victories. Still, very few groups of heroes who venture out into the Halcyon Domain carry any of the same faces when their journey is done. Find joy in the risks, relish the opportunities for epic and memorable character deaths, and excitedly create new characters that the others can meet at the next encampment or landmark.

Game style

Rules as Written (RaW)

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Roleplay Heavy

Combat Heavy

Theater of the Mind

Meet the Game Master

4.8

(18)

DMs Guild Writer
Artist

Less than a year on StartPlaying

53 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Teacher

Average response time: Under 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

About me

Born and raised amidst the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, I've been a lifelong adventurer in the realms of Dungeons & Dragons, ever since I was a child. The rich tapestry of Forgotten Realms lore has always captivated my imagination, and I find immense joy in bringing those worlds to life as a Dungeon Master. For me, the heart of D&D lies in the collaborative storytelling experience. It's about crafting unforgettable adventures that cater to the unique personalities and playstyles of my players, empowering them to become the heroes of their own epic tales. I believe that every player brings something special to the table, and I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. By trade, I'm a graphic designer and illustrator, and I love to infuse my artistic skills into my games. Whether it's designing custom maps, crafting unique character sheets, or creating visual aids to enhance the immersion, I believe that aesthetics play a crucial role in elevating the tabletop experience. So, if you're looking for a Dungeon Master who's passionate about storytelling, dedicated to creating player-centric experiences, and committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity, then let's embark on an unforgettable journey together! Best Seller (Copper) on DM's Guild

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Character creation

Creating your character

When: Character creation will happen during Session Zero. Starting Level: All characters will begin at Level 1. How: We'll use the Daggerheart rules for character generation. Focus: Consider your character's community type (Highborne, Slyborne, Loreborne, Orderborne, Ridgeborne, Seaborne, Underborne, Wildborne, or Wanderborne) and how their background defines their role and goals. Ancestries: Think about how the harsh environment has shaped your chosen ancestry, as some have unique interpretations. Clanks: Often carved from stone and iron, Clanks were originally vessels for holy spirits and messengers. Many stopped functioning and became statues when the gods left the Halcyon Domain. Ribbets: Ribbets are large, often 6 to 8 feet tall, and prefer to skulk on all fours when not leaping or standing still. Drakona: In the Halcyon Domain, Drakona are taller and more reptilian in both physicality and proportions. They lean forward as they move, using their tails to balance their weight. Faeries: Faeries are more sensitive to the soul blight than other ancestries, causing their physical appearance to develop in jagged and monstrous ways. Magic Users: Aetherweavers (Bards, Druids, Rogues, Rangers, Sorcerers, Wizards): The forces of spellcraft and magic, especially dark magic, are referred to as the Aetherweave. Those who can manipulate it are known as Aetherweavers. This art is difficult to teach and rarely wielded instinctively, with many secrets lost from the previous age, making their presence remarkable and sometimes met with awe, fear, and mistrust. Consider the responsibility they carry and how brazenly they use these abilities. Seraphs & Wizards (Splendor Domain): Access to divine powers and healing rituals is a fading art since the gods' abandonment and the fall of the Grand Ordinants. Many fear such magic is dying, leading some to sudden worship and expectation, while others may express hate for the absent gods. Displaying these abilities might make a profound impact or draw unwanted attention, so consider how open or guarded your character would be. Consider Your Role Everyone in this world is driven to survive, whether on their own or as part of a larger group. A character’s backstory can define their previous role in this realm, the relationships they’ve already established, and where they honed their knowledge and skills. For example, your character might have been a hunter, scavenger, philosopher, storyteller, oracle, scoundrel, leader, demagogue, or bandit before the campaign begins. Do they continue to enjoy this role, or do they yearn to reinvent themself in the dying light? How does their role define their goals for the future?

What to expect

Preparing for the session

What you will need to prepare: ✅ A Mic ✅ Discord ✅ Demiplane Account (I will share a link to the campaign/oneshot in which all my content will unlock for you.) ✅ Fill in the Supplied Google Forms ✅ Create your character within Demiplane ✅ A basic knowledge of the rules and how your character/class works. (if you are a beginner, don't worry, you will get the hang of it!)

What Calvin brings to the table

Tools & Resources: Demiplane: For character creation and in-game reference. Roll20: Dynamic maps with fog of war, interactive elements, and initiative tracking. Discord: We'll connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. Custom Content: I'll be creating plenty of my own content to bring the world to life, from unique NPCs and monsters to immersive descriptions and intriguing plot hooks & creative hand outs. My GM Style: Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the world. Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters, where strategy and teamwork are key to victory. Rule of Cool: While I respect the rules, I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea, I'll do my best to make it work within the game's framework. Collaborative Storytelling & Passion: As one of my players mentioned, I'm passionate about collaborative storytelling. My primary concern is for everyone to contribute to and enjoy an awesome story together. Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history, secrets, and interconnected narratives. Overall, my games are a blend of: Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience. What to Bring: Your Character: A fully created character on Demiplane, ready for adventure! Enthusiasm: Come ready to explore, roleplay, and have a great time! Open Mind: Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the collaborative storytelling experience. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you!

Equipment needed to play

Internet

Computer

Microphone

Safety

How Calvin creates a safe table

Safety Tools & Session 0: Lines and Veils: I'll share a link to a Lines and Veils document before Session 0, where you can anonymously list any topics or themes you'd prefer to avoid or approach with caution. Session 0: We'll dedicate time to discuss everyone's expectations, comfort levels, and playstyles. We'll also establish shared boundaries, review the Lines and Veils, and address any questions or concerns. Aftercare: If a session touches on sensitive topics or triggers any discomfort, I'll check in with everyone afterward to ensure they're okay. I'm also open to debriefing or discussing any issues outside of the game. X, N, & O's: We'll use a combination of digital and verbal cues for X, N, & O's, depending on what's most comfortable for the group. Gameplay Details: Character-Driven: I love to see characters grow and evolve, so expect plenty of opportunities for roleplaying and personal development. Player Agency: Your choices matter! The story will adapt and change based on your decisions, creating a unique and collaborative experience. Worldbuilding: I'll provide a rich and detailed setting to explore, filled with intriguing lore and hidden secrets. Getting to Know You: Before we begin our adventure, I'd like to get to know you a little better. Please take a few minutes to fill out a Google Form before our session. I'm curious about what you enjoy in games, what inspires you, and any specific boundaries or preferences you have. This helps me create a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your interests. For example, I'm personally terrified of spiders, so I won't be including them in the game unless everyone is comfortable with it.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

Frequently asked questions